World Cup 2026: Why should Spain fear France?

14.07.26 FT World Cup

France

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Spain

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By defeating Belgium 2-1 thanks to a late goal from Mikel Merino, Spain secured their ticket to the final four of the World Cup.

La Roja will face France on Tuesday, July 14 at 7 p.m. GMT for a spot in the final. This marks only their second-ever semi-final appearance in the tournament, the first coming in 2010 in South Africa—a campaign they ultimately won.

As they prepare to take on Les Bleus, the Spanish will remember their defeat to the same opponent on June 27, 2006, in the round of 16 at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

That match remains the only World Cup meeting between the two nations, and also Spain's sole knockout-stage defeat in the competition in the year 2000.

But this statistic shouldn't cast doubt on a Spanish side that has proven it can prevail even in the toughest moments, as shown in their quarter-final battle with Belgium.

The introduction of Mikel Merino for Dani Olmo in the 86th minute proved decisive, with Merino netting the winning goal just two minutes after coming on—a game-changing call by Luis de la Fuente.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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